The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1887-01-06
THE BASILISK-
A STORY OF TODAY.
CHAPTER XVI.

circumstances, had found mo out.
The secret motive. which had really
prompted my deceit, had grown strong
or and stronger; and l found myself as
poWerless as ever to protect where /
now so deeply loved. At least, had
paid some tribute to the claims of duty
in expressing desire to leave Hanover
Lodge. My proposal had been reject
ed BY the -Basilisk; and had at least
the satisfaction of staying now distinct
~ at the request of another. How my
presence could benefit her, whom l
knew SO surely to need my help | could
not see. But ut any rate, it was bet
ter to be near her than far away.
For the next two days life glided on
in the quietest and most uneventful
manner. Miss Beaufby was as calm as
ever she had been. No sign of deeper
feelings disturbed her serene and Dig
niiied friendliness.
On the third day, Mr.. Beaufoy re.
marked that he was going to town on
some business.
Perhaps, Mr.. Coplestone,' he said
with much suavity, ..you would like to
accompany us? You have not been
outside the place yet since you came.
| should particularly like you to come"
was. in truth, delighted with the
suggestion, and readily accepted the
invitation.
I'VE are going to drive, and will
start Immediately after luncheon" he
said
In spite of all my anxietics, felt a
keen sense of pleasure at thus renew
ing my acquaintance with the outside
world, and was the better prepared
to enjoy the change. inasmuch as Miss
Beaufoy had reported the day before
that Mary was a great deal better-al-
most recovered. in fact. 1t seemed not
unlikely that OH our return might sec
her once more in the drawing room,
awaiting us, and that the interest Of life
might once more revive.
Luncheon was scarcely over when
tbs sound of wheels was heard on the
drive. saw very quiet looking car
riage. drawn by one very quiet looking
horse. driven by Hardy. There was
something very unpretentious about
the equipage. and yet there was a GER
tain distinction. Quietness and quality
were combined, and the one horse was
quite episcopal in his dignity and de-
corum.
hoped for some reasons that Plow-
WITT would accompany us, and, having
had evidence of his dislike to solitude
rather expected that he would. But
he saw us into the carriage with his
accustomed politeness, and went back,
full of bows and smiles, into the solitary
house.
The drive was most delightful to me.
The afternoon was very fine-a soft
sunny autumn afternoon. Myemotions
of delight were too deep for words. My
companions, after few remarks, re-
lapsed into silence, and left me free to
enjoy my meditations, and to make the
best use 1 could of my eyes without
betraying too vivid an interest in the
autumn scenery and the signs Of life
around us. We called at the offices of
several charitable and educational
societies, and observed that Mr.. Beau
foy was treated with great respect by the
officials, one or other Of whom accom-
panied him back to his carriage, and
showed that sort of politeness which is
bestowed upon man with whom it Is
well to be, and to be seen to be, on good
terms. Hardy, solemnly seated Oh the
box behind the episcopal horse. struck
my sense of humor with considerable
force, but Mr.. Beaufoy, unctuously ac-
cepting the toadying of the officers Of
charitable societies, disguised me, and
the idea of a day of discoveries and
revelations took a rather dramatic form
in my thoughts. Miss Beaufoy had re-
manned in the carriage while her father
lad gone into several offices ana depOts
for few minutes at time. On his re-
turn from one of these, Miss Bcaufoy
expressed 4 desire to 60 somewhere for
a cup of tea.
Certainly, my dear" said her father
in round full tone which was very diff
ferent from his ordinary curt and crisp
utterances. He was evidently some
thing of an actor, and artistically lived
up to the part he was playing. Ger
tainly. my dear. We will 60 to the
Psychophantastical Society,"" aud be
directed Hardy TO drive there.
Here We alightc.l, and Mr.. Bcaufoy
very kindly guided me up the steps,
and along the spacious corridor Of this
wealthy and useful society's depot,
which combines shops, show-rooms,
Offices, committcc-rooms, and what we
how sought-a spacious tea-room,
where members could combine business
with light refreshments.
As we sat in the decorous gloom Of
this room, impregnated with the spirit
Of sanctimony and bohea, Mr.. Beaufoy
began to talk very kindly of my condi-
ton. He enlarged Oh the magnitude Of
the work ioac by the Society, and
on the number OF persons Of ali kinds in
its employment.
Il don't think You would find any
difficulty in gettinga post herewith
my influence" he said.
..HMr Coplestonc wanted one" said
Miss Beaufoy calmly.
IF Mr.. Coplestone wanted one, '
repeated herfatherimpressively. land
that" he went on, '.leads up to sub
ject on which l wish to speak. l en-
gagged you under certain and somewhat
peculiar conditions. My choice
here the CLEAN of smile for Z
moment illuminated Miss Beau
toys pale face-"my choice ha!
been more than justified byyour conduc
and your talents"
bowed. Miss Beaufoy smiled with